Acacus – The Acacus Mountains have lost one of their most prominent human and historical landmarks with the passing of Hajj Imbarek Laoui, one of the oldest and most famous tourist guides in the region. He passed away last Thursday after a long life dedicated to serving and protecting the desert.
The deceased was known for his generosity, his smile, and his warm hospitality. He was a familiar face to all who passed through the valleys of Acacus, moving between Elalan, Tashwinat, and Anshal Tinshel. He lived as a faithful guardian of the rare Acacus rock art, defying harsh conditions and a lack of support.
He was one of the few who chose to live with his family in the heart of the desert, far from the noise of the cities, maintaining a simple lifestyle that reflected the deep connection between man and place. He became a symbol of a generation linked to nature and left a sincere impact on the memory of visitors and the people of the region.
Imbarek Laoui was not just a tourist guide, but a true ambassador for the Libyan desert. Photographers and tourists were keen to meet him for the warmth and humanity in his conversation, despite his limited means.
With his departure, Acacus loses one of its icons, and the nomads within it lose a rare symbol of the authentic spirit of the desert.